USA Swimming has announced that they have awarded almost $1.5 million in grants in the first phase of the organizations COVID-19 relief program. That exceeds, by almost 50%, the $1 million in pledged money that the organization announced in April.
USA Swimming received grants applications from 317 clubs in phase 1 of the plan, which was focused on supporting clubs and members impacted economically by the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. The exact total distributed is $1,482,952, on behalf of the USA Swimming Foundation. That’s an average of around $4,700 per club.
The 317 clubs represents about 10% of the 3,000 USA Swimming clubs nationally.
The news of the first round of distributions, which will be completed on June 1, comes with a pledge from the USA Swimming Foundation to distribute up to another $1.5 million in phase 2 of the club, which is focused on supporting a return to business for clubs. The application process for that money will begin in mid-June. Clubs that received money in the first round can apply and receive more funding in round 2.
When combined with at least $5.9 million in LSC distributions, USA Swimming‘s $1.5 million brings the total to $7.5 million to support USA Swimming clubs. That far surpasses the original goal of $5 million, with another $1.5 million, at least, on the way.
“The review team’s feedback revealed that the need is great, and applications were very thoughtful and detail-oriented,” said Dr. Cecil Godon, the chair of the board of directors for the USA Swimming Foundation. “The Foundation was given a truly important opportunity to assist the clubs which help affect our mission of saving lives and building champions and we were happy to be able to support our swimming community.”
At the time of announcing the $1 million, USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey said that it was “truly an initial $1 million,” and that there was the potential for a bigger distribution if necessary.
The requirement that clubs be “Safe Sport Certified” is a joke. Clubs can operate in full compliance with safe sport with out this meaningless exercise in bureaucratic red tape. To tie relief money to this requirement during such hard times is absolutely disgusting.
The staff decision makers probably aren’t going to listen to you (or be persuaded by an online comment), so go to your elected representatives- https://swimswam.com/3-coaches-are-among-4-new-members-of-usa-swimming-board-of-directors/
First of all, you had something better to do for the last 3 months than finish your certification?
Second of all, USA Swimming has left it up to the clubs to ensure that they have good trainings, good policies, and good reporting in place for decades. And that has screwed them (in the form of lawsuits and constant criticism for not doing enough to protect athletes) and it has screwed our athletes.
What, you want them to just take your word for it all of a sudden?
If you don’t think that SafeSport certifcation is meaningful, then what, pretell, do you think USA Swimming should be doing to protect our athletes?
At some point, you can’t have it both ways.… Read more »
First of all, you are assuming that I haven’t completed the certification. One can complete the certification without being happy about having to do so.
Second of all, after going through the process of Safe Sport Certification that its is an absolute joke and does nothing to protect swimmers. All it is doing is protecting the grownups from lawsuits.
I think the certification is absolutely meaningless. The background checks, MAAPP, and Safe Sport education are all great programs. All the coaches have to do these certs and I fully support those programs. Coaches are all certified! Why implement this silly “Safe Sport Certification”, its absolutely redundant. There is big difference in objecting to the club certification and objecting to… Read more »
Also, I think its telling that only 10% of clubs received the financial relief. I wonder how many clubs are actually safe sport certified?
@Dan Kelly, it is bureaucratic red tape and USA Swimming, their board and USOC are covering their “you know whats” for covering up the pedophile sexual abuse problem and lying to congress and the USA Swimming membership. I don’t think Hinchey is any better than Wiegus was with this issue. After he misled Congress in a hearing on the matter, Hinchey was forced to admit under oath in a filmed deposition that he never read the USA Swimming Code of Conduct or even participated in the Safesport certification. Who pays for it??? The swimmers, parents and clubs. Then when clubs are hurting, they do next to nothing.
WE elect all Board Members. That is why I keep insisting on taking your issues to the Board. If we don’t approve of how our Board is operating, then we need to vote new Board members into office.
That sure hasn’t worked very well in the past. You guys only look out for your own and target any person or club that disagrees. Hopefully, having coaches on the board will help if they aren’t content with being “suck ups”.
Good for USA Swimming upping the amount by 50% in phase 1. Between USA Swimming and the LSC it’s refreshing to see them helping out and exceeding the original estimates. I know it will never be enough for some, but I don’t know how much money USA Swimming has on hand so I’m going to refrain from chastising them for not doing enough.
There should be much more money invested in this program, such as 25-30 million for 1000 clubs or more. The amount of only $4,700.00 to 10% of the clubs is a joke. With the expenses of our clubs and the USA Swimming dues, meet fees, swim-a-thons, insurance, sanctions, etc., etc. etc. that headquarters in Colorado has nickled and dimed the membership over the years, this just doesn’t come close to cutting it. We know they have the money. Look at all the lawsuits that have been settled and the salaries and benefits of the USA Swimming staff.
If you feel this strongly, contact a USA Swimming Board of Directors member.
Hopefully more is done for all of swimming clubs during these times. US Swimming has to be a true leader in ensuring the present success of clubs and future of its sport.